Also called: 1st Engineer
The chief engineer's right hand, who runs daily engine-room maintenance and repairs.
The first engineer hands out the day's jobs to the engine crew, tears down pumps and purifiers, and keeps the planned-maintenance schedule on track. When an alarm goes off at 3 a.m., they are often the one heading down the ladder to fix it.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Marine engineering degree from a maritime academy plus USCG license upgrades and sea time.
Ways in: 4-year college, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Technology.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Sensors and digital logs cut routine rounds; the daily teardown of pumps and purifiers stays physical work.
Classes: Physics, Auto mechanics CTE class, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5031.
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